Penang Third Deputy Chief Minister

Currently, Penang have two Deputy Chief Ministers, one Malay and one Indian. I am not surprise about the preliminary discussion on the possible appointment of a Chinese Deputy Chief Minister(DCM) for Penang. There are a few reasons for this:-

• As a government that use populist strategies and tactics, by appointing a Chinese Deputy CM, DAP hopes that this move will be popular with the Chinese electorates. DAP knows how to play the racial card – one Indian DCM, one Malay DCM and one Chinese DCM.


• Lim Guan Eng is not a Penangites, appointing a local DAP YB as the Deputy CM will cover his weakness – he is out of touch with local issues and conditions. His strength is on national issues.


• Having a Chinese Deputy CM that he can trust, will also enable him to focus more on the overall development of DAP nationwide. Have Chinese DCM can travel.


• Lim Guan Eng thru his various actions, had unintentionally marginalized many of his DAP leaders – none are able to be outstanding except YB Phee Boon Poh (in charge of welfare). The appointment of a DAP DCM will minimize this situation.


• DAP Penang have nearly no capable local leaders with the potential to be a Chief Minister. Many leaders are imported. A local protege to the chief ministership have to be prepared for their long term survival as a government.
• Furthermore, the existing two Deputy Chief Ministers are under performing.

Whether, the third DCM position will materialize depend on DAP ability to convince its partners - KeADILan and PAS. I doubt they will agreed to this additional post.

Read also Coward, Eunuch & Puppet.

P.S: There is also an Underground Deputy Chief Minister that handled the "underground" affairs. Chinese Penangites that are familiar with local politics understanding the power wield by him.